Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, involves actions to gain or maintain power and control over the other partner. Domestic violence is often under-reported and misunderstood. It involves a pattern of coercive behavior that includes abusive tactics such as threats, physical and sexual violence, economic, emotional, and psychological aggression, as well as exploiting any privilege to maintain power and control.
According to the United Nations, domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. Even if physical assaults happen infrequently, they create a constant fear of future violence, enabling the abuser to control the victim’s life and circumstances.
The impacts of domestic violence are far-reaching, causing damage that can affect generations and last a lifetime. Relationship abuse is especially painful when it comes from those we love. By staying informed and educating others, we can better recognize and stop abuse when it occurs.
Let’s explore some key domestic violence statistics to understand the severity of this problem.
- In 2022, violent victimization in the U.S. increased to 23.5 per 1,000 people.
- 324,000 pregnant Women in the U.S. are abused by their intimate partners.
- 23.04 people per minute face intimate partner violence annually
- In 2022, 442,754 women in the U.S. were raped or sexually assaulted.
- 62% of all murder-suicides involved an intimate partner.
- 95% of females were killed by their male intimate partners
- 1 in 3 (29%) college women have been in an abusive dating relationship
- Domestic violence costs the U.S. economy over $9.3 billion annually
- 10 million people in the U.S. experience domestic violence every year.
Domestic Violence Statistics
According to a new UN report, an estimated 48,800 women and girls were killed by family members or intimate partners worldwide in 2022. This averages to more than 133 women or girls being killed by a relative each day.
There are many myths about domestic violence. Some people believe it is caused by stress or substance use or that it only occurs among those with low income. This is not true. The reality is that assailants learn abusive behavior from society or in their homes.
Domestic violence is a choice made by the perpetrator to use power and abuse to control the survivor. Survivors are never to blame for the abuse; it is entirely the responsibility of the perpetrator.
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- In 2022, violent victimization in the U.S. increased to 23.5 per 1,000 people, up from 16.4 to 16.5 per 1,000 in 2020-2021. While there has been a recent increase, the past three decades have seen a significant overall decline in the rate of violent victimization, dropping from 79.8 per 1,000 people in 1993 to 23.5 per 1,000 in 2022. (1)
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- Nearly 1 in 2 U.S. women (47.3%) and more than 2 in 5 U.S. men (44.2%) have experienced intimate partner violence. Nearly three-quarters of female victims of intimate partner violence reported that they were first victimized before the age of 25, and more than one in four experienced their first victimization before the age of 18. (2)
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- 42% (52,437,000) of U.S. women and 42.3% of U.S. men (49,932,000) have faced lifetime physical violence. Physical violence covers a variety of actions, from slapping, pushing, or shoving to more serious acts such as hitting, kicking, pulling hair, slamming, beating, burning on purpose, and using a knife or a gun. (3)
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- Domestic violence costs the U.S. economy over $9.3 billion annually in healthcare, mental health, and productivity. (22)
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- Domestic violence costs the U.S. economy over $9.3 billion annually in healthcare, mental health, and productivity. (22)
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- Survivors of intimate partner violence lose a total of 8 million days of paid work each year. To address this, many states have implemented domestic violence leave laws. (23)
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- Emergency housing and shelters for domestic violence victims cost an estimated $7.9 billion annually. Domestic violence leads to $1.8 billion in lost economic productivity annually from absenteeism and reduced work performance. (24)
Domestic Violence and Homelessness
When someone leaves an abusive relationship, they often have nowhere to go. Many face a heartbreaking choice between staying in an abusive environment, going to a shelter, or living on the street. Studies reveal a strong connection between domestic violence and homelessness, especially among families with children.
In fact, domestic violence is often the leading cause of homelessness for women with children. Shelters offer immediate safety, respite, and supportive services, but they are frequently at full capacity and unable to accommodate all those in need.
Final Thought
Domestic violence remains a critical issue affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Intimate partner violence accounts for a significant portion of reported cases, with both male and female victims suffering from physical and psychological abuse. Alarmingly, child abuse and sexual assault are also prevalent, with many child abuse victims experiencing long-term effects.
Bisexual women, in particular, face high rates of sexual abuse and stalking by an intimate partner. Despite the gravity of these issues, many victims do not report experiencing domestic violence, making it essential to identify dating abuse early and support those in need.
To end domestic violence, we must increase awareness and provide resources such as domestic violence shelters and hotlines. Report domestic violence because it is crucial, as is offering support to family members and friends who may be in a domestic violence situation. By understanding the full scope of the problem and providing comprehensive support, we can work towards a safer future for everyone, including those who have been physically abused or suffered from rape and physical violence.
References
- Criminal Victimization, 2022
- NISVS 2016/2017 Report on Intimate Partner Violence
- NISVS 2016/2017 State Report
- Criminal Victimization, 2022 (BJS)
- NISVS 2016/2017 Report on Stalking Updated Release
- Why Black Women Struggle More With Domestic Violence
- About Intimate Partner Violence
- Domestic Violence
- Domestic abuse and its impact on transgender
- 2022 Impact Report Final
- INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE ENDANGERS PREGNANT PEOPLE AND THEIR INFANTS
- Number of forcible rape and sexual assault victims in the United States
- Intimate Partner Violence, Firearm Injuries and Homicides
- Examining Intimate Partner Violence-Related Fatalities
- Female Murder Victims and Victim-Offender Relationship, 2021
- American Roulette MURDER-SUICIDE IN THE UNITED STATES
- Intimate Partner Homicide and Corollary Victims in 16 States
- Domestic Violence
- Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
- domestic violence statistics
- 2011 College Dating Violence and Abuse Poll
- The Economic Cost of Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking
- Why Doesn’t The Severe Harm And Costs Of Domestic Violence Result In More Women Going To Court
- The Cost of Domestic Violence
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- About 75% of female survivors suffer some form of injury due to domestic violence. Besides injuries, common physical symptoms include headaches, insomnia, chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, and pain in the chest, back, and pelvis. (18)
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- Victim service providers (VSPs) are public or private organizations that help crime victims. In 2022, victims received assistance from VSPs in 9% of violent victimization. (1)
